Ex-Pakistan Captain Criticizes Babar’s Poor Form, Says His ‘King’ Status is a PR Creation
February 25, 2025: Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has showered praise on Virat Kohli, calling him the ultimate big-match player, while taking a dig at his former teammate Babar Azam for his repeated failures in crunch games. Kohli’s unbeaten century against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 not only guided India closer to the semi-finals but also reignited comparisons between the two batting stalwarts.
Speaking to PTV Sports, Hafeez highlighted Kohli’s unmatched ability to deliver under pressure, contrasting it with Babar’s inconsistency. He also claimed that Babar’s “King” status was more a result of PR campaigns than actual performances.
“Virat Kohli is a True Match-Winner” – Hafeez
Hafeez emphasized how Virat Kohli thrives on high-stakes encounters, using games against Pakistan as opportunities to shine.
Also Read: Wasim Akram Blasts Pakistan Cricket Team After India Loss: “Enough Is Enough!”
“Virat is a high-stage performer. He waits for big occasions. When India faces Pakistan, players have a chance to become stars. We’ve seen this with Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, and others. Kohli plays with a mindset that he will not just bat, but win the match for his country,” Hafeez remarked.
Labeling Kohli as the greatest batter of all time, Hafeez dismissed Babar’s comparison to the Indian superstar, arguing that Kohli’s dominance is built on consistency across all conditions, not media-driven narratives.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Pat Cummins Questions India’s ‘Unfair’ Venue Advantage
“Babar Azam Became King Through PR, Not Performances”
Hafeez openly criticized the narrative that Babar Azam is on the same level as Kohli.
“If anyone deserves to be called ‘King,’ it is Virat Kohli, not Babar Azam. He has conquered all conditions and situations. Babar did not earn his title through performances but rather through PR strategies,” Hafeez added.
Kohli’s 111-ball masterclass featured his trademark cover drives, a shot that has brought him immense success but also occasional trouble. Reflecting on his innings, Kohli admitted he had to take calculated risks to regain his best form.
“It’s kind of been my weakness, but also my biggest strength. I had to let go a little, take some risks, and play my shots. When I hit cover drives, I feel in control,” Kohli said in a BCCI video.
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Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, India vs Pakistan, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Cricket Rivalry, Kohli vs Babar, PR in Cricket, Pakistan Cricket, Cricket Analysis